Kuwait Times Celebrates Its Founding Anniversary: Six and a Half Decades of Media Excellence

Alaa Khalifa

In a celebration reflecting the heritage of Kuwaiti journalism and its enduring presence on the media landscape, *Kuwait Times* marked its 65th anniversary of founding. The event was attended by several ambassadors, alongside a distinguished group of senior figures, officials, and media professionals, commemorating a rich journey spanning more than six and a half decades of journalistic work and global engagement.

The occasion served as a milestone to highlight the history of *Kuwait Times* and its role in accompanying Kuwait’s progress, documenting its stages of renaissance and development, and contributing to conveying the image of Kuwait and its news to English-speaking readers. Throughout its journey, the newspaper has remained a media bridge between Kuwait and the world.

To mark the anniversary, *Kuwait Times* opened the doors of its offices, printing press, and studios to readers, followers, colleagues, and officials on Thursday evening, offering them the opportunity to get a close look at the staff, the newspaper’s environment, its archives, its experience in media transformation, and its vision for the future.

**The Father’s Legacy**

Initially, Dr. Ziyad Al-Alayan, Editor-in-Chief of *Kuwait Times*, expressed his hope to continue the path started by his late father, Yusuf Al-Alayan, in 1961, affirming the newspaper family’s pride in what has been achieved over 65 years.

Al-Alayan stated, “We are proud of the journalistic work accomplished, and we hope to continue our father’s legacy in the way he wished to see the newspaper. I wished my father could have been present to witness the continuation of the project he founded.” He noted the newspaper’s commitment to keeping pace with the rapid transformations in the media sector, pointing out that the newspaper’s youth were pioneers in digital media while maintaining a strong presence in print journalism.

**A Significant Milestone**

Abdullah Bofatin, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of *Kuwait Times*, told *Al-Anbaa* in an exclusive interview that celebrating the 65th anniversary represents a significant milestone for recalling a media journey intertwined with Kuwait’s history and transformations. He affirmed that *Kuwait Times* was not merely an English-language newspaper, but played a role in conveying Kuwait’s image, news, and achievements to the outside world, documenting various political, economic, social, cultural, and sporting events and developments through its pages.

He explained that the newspaper viewed the digital transformation and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence technologies as opportunities to develop the institution by updating content, digital platforms, the work environment, and methods of producing stories and programs. This included investing in studios and proprietary content, diversifying products and revenue sources, which enhanced its reach to broader audience segments and supported its financial performance, while maintaining the print edition alongside digital expansion.

He emphasized the importance of achieving a balance between economic sustainability and preserving the essence of journalistic work, content quality, reader trust, and professional responsibility.

Bofatin noted that the *Kuwait Times* archive at its headquarters on Press Street represents a vast record of six and a half decades of Kuwaiti history. He highlighted efforts to re-present its content to new generations through digital platforms, showcasing stories, images, and pages of documentary value. The development included upgrading the newspaper’s headquarters and work environment to transform it into a space for creativity, learning, and content production, and opening its doors to school and university students, trainees, and youth. This is in addition to the summer program, which enters its fifth year, offering practical training in journalism, photography, content creation, and professional ethics.

He affirmed that investing in human capital, providing youth with space to participate and take responsibility, and enhancing the role of female professionals are fundamental pillars in the institution’s future. He noted that the 65th anniversary is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of previous generations while also looking toward the future to build a more advanced, open, and adaptable institution capable of keeping pace with media changes.

**Neutrality and Credibility**

For his part, Qadri Rashid, the British Ambassador to the country, stated in an exclusive statement to *Al-Anbaa* that conveying Kuwait’s message to the English-speaking world and what *Kuwait Times* has achieved over the past 65 years is wonderful and a source of pride for this media institution, which is distinguished by its neutrality, credibility, and professional news reporting. He extended his congratulations to the *Kuwait Times* family, wishing them continued success, prosperity, and years of excellence.

Tara Schorr, the Canadian Ambassador, told *Al-Anbaa* that the 65th anniversary of *Kuwait Times*’ founding represents a significant milestone worthy of celebration. She praised its journey and media role in Kuwait, and valued the role of Kuwaiti youth in the media, affirming the importance of journalism and its vital role in society.

Schorr expressed her admiration for the exhibition accompanying the celebration, which showcased different stages of *Kuwait Times*’ history. She clarified that the newspaper’s importance lies not only in documenting Kuwait’s history through its published news and reports, but also in becoming an important part of the country’s history by accompanying the events and developments Kuwait has witnessed over the decades. She also praised the newspaper’s archive, extending her congratulations to the newspaper’s management and wishing them continued excellence.

**A Museum of Kuwaiti Media**

Badr Al-Kharafi, Deputy Chairman of the Board and CEO of Zain Group, told *Al-Anbaa* that *Kuwait Times* is an integral part of Kuwaiti society and means a lot to all Kuwaitis, as it is the first Kuwaiti newspaper published in English, with 65 years of achievements, successes, and notable development.

Al-Kharafi expressed his pride in *Kuwait Times*, especially given the transition from one generation to the next and the evolution from a mere print newspaper to a digital entity entering the world of digital media with strength and competence. He praised the diversity and changes that accompanied the newspaper and its transition to digital, while noting its commitment to preserving authentic Kuwaiti heritage, which truly distinguishes the newspaper.

Al-Kharafi added that *Kuwait Times* today is not just a newspaper; its headquarters serve as a museum of Kuwaiti media. He wished them further progress and development, affirming his pride in Kuwaiti youth and his continued support for Kuwaiti youth energies in all fields.

For her part, Najlaa Al-Aissa, Head of Marketing at Gulf Bank, told *Al-Anbaa*: “I extend my thanks to the management of *Kuwait Times* for the kind invitation to join them in celebrating the newspaper’s founding anniversary. On behalf of Gulf Bank, we congratulate them on this distinguished and honorable media journey.”

Al-Aissa clarified that there have been strong ties over the years between Gulf Bank and *Kuwait Times*, which has always supported them in covering all of Gulf Bank’s activities and events. She wished them continued success and prosperity, noting that this is characteristic of the people of Kuwait in providing support, whether in the public or private sector, to achieve the common good and the interests of our beloved state of Kuwait.

**A Source of Pride for Kuwait**

Waleed Al-Khashti, CEO of Corporate Relations and Institutional Affairs at Zain Kuwait, expressed his happiness at this dear occasion of celebrating the 65th anniversary of *Kuwait Times*’ founding, in a statement to *Al-Anbaa*, praising the prosperity and development the newspaper has witnessed over the past years.

Al-Khashti noted that Zain Company has strong ties with *Kuwait Times*, and there have been joint activities, including the summer program. He clarified that the newspaper deserves the position it has reached today in the field of journalism, wishing them continued success.

For his part, Mashal Al-Saffar, Deputy Chairman of the Board of BNK Automotive (the exclusive agent for Volvo and Polestar in Kuwait), told *Al-Anbaa*: “I wish *Kuwait Times* further achievements and successes that have accompanied its distinguished media journey. I praise the transformation the newspaper has undergone from a print newspaper to entering the field of digital journalism, studios, and photography, considering it a source of pride for Kuwait.”

Nada Al-Dihani, General Manager of the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Talent and Creativity, told *Al-Anbaa*: “We congratulate the management of *Kuwait Times* on this distinguished media establishment on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of this beloved newspaper. I praise the tangible development the newspaper has recently witnessed and its transition from a mere print newspaper to digital media that relies heavily on advanced technology, in addition to the development in the media services the newspaper provides to the public. I wish them success and progress.”

Professor Dr. Muhammad Al-Kandari, a faculty member in Computer Science at the College of Basic Education, extended his congratulations to the *Kuwait Times* family via *Al-Anbaa* on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of this distinguished newspaper, which has proven day after day its credibility, neutral and professional coverage of news, and highlighting everything of concern to Kuwaiti society. He praised the newspaper’s distinguished archive and the work environment within the newspaper, comparing the general atmosphere inside the newspaper to a comprehensive media city.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Rashidan said, “I made a point of attending and participating in the *Kuwait Times* celebration held on the occasion of its 65th anniversary. I praise this rich media history full of achievements, affirming that its media journey has created a footprint in the field of Kuwaiti media over the years. I wish them continued success, achievement, and excellence.”

For his part, writer and novelist Talal Al-Rifai told *Al-Anbaa*: “As one of the writers for *Kuwait Times*, I am delighted to participate in the celebration of the 65th anniversary of its founding. What distinguishes the newspaper is that it addresses different readers, specifically those who are proficient in English, keeping them informed of all political, sporting, cultural, social, and artistic events and all the latest developments on the scene in Kuwaiti society.”

For his part, photographer, director, and content creator Abdulrahman Al-Badakh told *Al-Anbaa*: “We extend our congratulations to the management of *Kuwait Times* on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of its founding. I praise this distinguished media journey in the field of journalism, as well as the young Kuwaiti talents working in this prestigious institution, who have proven their competence in all fields, whether as journalists, photographers, or in other media fields. I wish them continued success and achievement.”

For her part, Jana Khalid Al-Naqib, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of *Kuait Times*, stated that journalism today faces a dual challenge: keeping pace with modern commercial tools and constantly changing communication means. She noted that this phase was an opportunity to highlight inspiring models of work within the institution.

Al-Naqib expressed her hope that *Kuwait Times* will continue to achieve accomplishments worthy of its status as the first English-language newspaper in the Gulf.

For her part, Houra Al-Yaqoub, Head of Marketing and Advertising at *Kuwait Times*, stated that this occasion represents a great history for the newspaper, which has become part of Kuwait’s history. She extended her sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the celebration and their beautiful contributions, as well as to the citizens of Kuwait who have accompanied the newspaper’s journey for 65 years.